Amphotericin B lipid complex in the management of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients

The efficacy and renal safety of amphotericin B lipid complex ( ABLC) were assessed in 398 patients with invasive aspergillosis. The most common underlying conditions were hematopoietic stem- cell transplantation ( 101/ 398 [ 25%]), hematologic malignancy ( 101/ 398 [ 25%]), and solid- organ transplantation ( 109/ 398 [ 27%]). The most common reason for administration of ABLC was lack of response to prior antifungal therapy. Overall, 65% of patients had a favorable clinical response: 44% were cured or improved, and 21% were stabilized. Clinical responses were similar for patients who received ABLC as either first- line or second- line therapy. One hundred forty- four patients whose results could be evaluated received ABLC concurrently with or after therapy with itraconazole. No antagonism was observed when therapy with ABLC followed therapy with itraconazole. Patients infected with Aspergillus terreus, an innately polyene- resistant species, experienced a 37% response rate. Changes in serum creatinine levels were not clinically significant in most patients; however, dialysis was initiated in 7 patients, of whom 6 had prior antifungal therapy or preexisting renal disease. Analysis of this large database demonstrated the efficacy and safety of ABLC in the treatment of invasive aspergillosis.